Bali: Eat Pray Throw by Fredrik Naumann (33 images)

Bali is renowned for it beauty, attracting tourists from around the world. There is a building boom on the island and peoples' living standard is increasing. However increased consumption leads to increased waste and the islanders' habit of simply throwing garbage in the nearest ditch is spoiling the post card beauty. In the rainy season the garbage is washed to sea, affecting marine life as well.
Even in areas like Ubud, with several hundred hotels, there is no organized garbage...more »

Bali is renowned for it beauty, attracting tourists from around the world. There is a building boom on the island and peoples' living standard is increasing. However increased consumption leads to increased waste and the islanders' habit of simply throwing garbage in the nearest ditch is spoiling the post card beauty. In the rainy season the garbage is washed to sea, affecting marine life as well.
Even in areas like Ubud, with several hundred hotels, there is no organized garbage collection.
If you ask the Balinese about the problem they usually blame it on the neighbouring island of Java, saying the rubbish has been brought to Bali by the currents. But is very apparent the Balinese themselves has a lot of the blame. Immaculate gardens and high end hotels look fine inside the walls, but anyone peering over will quickly see where all the rubbish ends up.
Traditionally meals have been served in banana leafs, which posed no threat to the environment when thrown away. It seems the Balinese have not realized modern wrapping requires adifferent approach.

The Balinese tourism industry is hoping to set a new record in 2012, with over three million visitors. But unless they get their hopuse in order, the numbers may be dwindling in the future.« less